TEESSIDE GPs are urging the Government to put patient care before its “obsession” with extended opening hours.

GPs say they are not against offering evening and weekend appointments but they want to see a more reasonable and flexible approach.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson wrote to GPs this month asking them to accept an offer that would see an average-sized practice open for an extra three hours a week.

But Dr Colin Wilson of the Lagan Surgery in Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, said more negotiations are needed.

“As practices locally, we are generally not opposed to a logical and properly-funded extension of hours,” he said.

“Our negotiators put forward sensible proposals that would have seen patients benefit from a sustainable change in opening hours providing each week new appointments at times more convenient to the relatively small number of patients who can’t attend between 8am and 6pm.

“The Government rejected our offer and rather than entering into negotiations chose to start issuing ultimatums and threats via the media.

“Sadly the department of health and Government’s obsession with extended hours means their focus has moved dangerously away from more important clinical issues.”

In the next few weeks all GPs will get to vote on the offer.

But if they reject it the Government has said ministers will impose a tougher settlement.

Dr Paul McGowan, of the Alma Medical Centre in Stockton, wrote back to Mr Johnson stating: “The Prime Minister has made improving access a political imperative despite repeated national surveys demonstrating over 80% patient satisfaction with current access.

“I appreciate however, that there is a small minority of patients who find it difficult to see a doctor during normal working hours.

“The BMA (British Medical Association) was, and still is, prepared to negotiate on extending access. Despite this, your colleagues in Whitehall have made any negotiation process impossible by insisting that an agreement will be imposed, with significantly less favourable terms, if the BMA does not agree a settlement by the end of March 2008. I believe it is quite impossible to enter talks in this atmosphere, which in my opinion, amounts to blackmail.

He added: “The negative spin against GPs has to stop, and trust re-established, if effective change is to be achieved in the NHS.”

Some Teesside surgeries such as Marske Medical Centre and Huntcliff Surgery in Saltburn are already offering evening and/or weekend appointments.